- Trippier sent off for foul on De Bruyne
- VAR intervenes and suggests on-field check
- Decision overturned as red becomes a yellow
WHAT HAPPENED? With Kevin De Bruyne threatening to run away from him as Manchester City launched a dangerous counter-attack, Kieran Trippier decided that a premeditated trip was the only way to stop the Belgian in his tracks. The Newcastle defender caught a Premier League rival at knee height, with Australian referee Jarred Gillett deciding that the England international’s challenge was dangerous and deserved a straight red. That decision was then reversed after an on-field VAR review, with Trippier’s punishment downgraded to a yellow card.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Magpies full-back Trippier was allowed to see the game out at St James’ Park, which aided Newcastle’s cause in a bid to take a well-earned point from the reigning champions. City scored first on Tyneside, but then had to recover from 3-1 down after Trippier got on the scoresheet with a stunning free-kick. He will avoid the need to serve a ban and and will remain available to Eddie Howe for upcoming fixtures.